Josh Kennedy says he is closing in on a return to action for Nagoya Grampus.
The towering centre-forward has been sidelined with a back problem since November but says he is back training and will soon be on the pitch again in the J-League as he targets the World Cup qualifier for Australia who take on Japan in June.
"I'm definitely on the way back now and it's been a frustrating time for me," said Kennedy who has not played for the Socceroos since November 2011.
"I had the surgery because I'd been playing in pain for a while and something needed to be done.
"Now it's just a matter of getting my strength back and of course my overall fitness - and I hope to back in action for my club within a month.
"Obviously playing again for Australia is also a massive priority for me and I am aiming to be ready for the World Cup qualifier against Japan. It would be great to help us seal the deal for Brazil in that game."
